Your Friendly Specialists
Hidden History Travel first appeared in 1998 when Dr Simon Butler began operating tours to places of archaeological interest in Britain. It began simply as an extension of his work in professional archaeology but it was a wonderful combination of interests which has since grown into a successful company.
Over the years Hidden History’s expertise in archaeological travel has been developed by a network of long-standing colleagues in travel, archaeology and history who all contribute to the company's unique brand of enriching travel experiences. They are all experts in their field, such as university professors, published authors, professional field archaeologists, specialist guides and destination agents with a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. As specialists we focus on content and quality, achieved by thorough research, attention to detail, and a personal, flexible service.
Meet Some of the Team
Simon’s career began in field archaeology and academic research, and he holds a PhD in archaeology from the University of Sheffield. His interests in heritage tourism developed from his travels as an archaeologist and guide and he has gained a wealth of experience in many destinations over many years. As Hidden History's founder and director his knowledge and insights give the company much of its personality, and he still loves to lead as many tours as his business commitments allow.
Eireann is is a core member of the team, helping in all aspects of the business. She brings a wealth of relevant experience in archaeological travel, and has led numerous tours exploring the ancient world. She was even awarded ‘Top History & Culture Guide’ in Wanderlust’s 2019 World Guide Awards. She specialises in Classical Civilisation and is an Associate Researcher and Lecturer with the Open University. She has published widely on the subject, including co-editing ‘Women’s influence on Classical Civilisation’ and ‘Death and Disease in the Ancient City’.
Chris's passion and versatility make him a valued member of the Hidden History team. He gained a Master’s degree from the University of Cambridge and a PhD from the University of York. He has worked for a number of archaeology companies as an excavation director, a human bone specialist and as a heritage consultant. He also ran his own excavation company, and has travelled widely as an archaeologist and tour director. He is particular passionate about his home area of south coast of England.
Simon is an active archaeologist and broadcaster who has authored over 20 books on subjects related to the Roman world. His ‘Roman Britain’s Missing Legion’ was a BBC History Top 10 Book of the Year 2021, and he frequently appears as an expert TV presenter. He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Kent, President of the Society of Ancients, an ambassador for Museum of London Archaeology, and has recently completed two terms as a Trustee of the Council for British Archaeology. He has led tours to many parts of the Roman world.
Gary is Emeritus Professor of Archaeology at the University of Oxford, where he has taught and researched for many years. He is an acknowledged authority on Iron Age hillforts, and co-directed the recent 'Atlas of Hillforts of Britain and Ireland' project. He has directed fieldwork and led tours in the UK, Spain and Italy, and has encouraged much community involvement in his excavations and post-excavation work.
Trevor is one of England’s most respected landscape archaeologists. As a postgraduate student at Oxford University he studied under the famous landscape historian W. G. Hoskins. Since retiring from his position as Deputy Director of the Oxford University Department for Continuing Education, he continues to teach and write, with particular expertise in the Medieval period and in his home area of the Welsh Marches.
Mike graduated in history from Cambridge University and became Deputy Registrar at Oxford University, where he is now an Emeritus Fellow of St Anne’s College. He specialises in medieval history, especially the Crusades, has published translations of medieval accounts of the Albigensian Crusade, and has walked the pilgrimage route across northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela.
Tony studied Ancient History and Archaeology at the University of Manchester. His subsequent career in field excavation and museum management has earned him Fellowship of the Society of Antiquaries of London. He is particularly interested in the Roman Empire, and has wide experience of leading archaeology tours.
Oliver obtained his degree in history and archaeology from King Alfred's College, University of Winchester, and went on to work in museum and field project roles in Britain, Italy and Albania. He was a Senior Research Associate at the University of East Anglia for many years, and is a very experienced and popular tour leader.
Barbara is an experienced researcher and lecturer with a PhD in archaeology from the University of Sheffield. Her broad experience and engaging personality are an asset to our business in many ways, from personalised tours to public relations.
Dr Nicola Theodossiev is a senior assistant professor in the Department of Archaeology at Sofia University in Bulgaria. He has directed a number of excavations in Bulgaria, written numerous publications on ancient Thrace, and led many tours through his native country.
Sandy is a field archaeologist who currently lives in Greece and specialises in Greek archaeology, especially the Minoans. His excavations and published research have included Knossos in Crete, Delos in the Cycladic Islands, and Sparta in the Peloponnese. He has led many tours in Greece.
Kostas is a Cretan archaeologist with an MA in Prehistoric Archaeology from the University of Crete, and a PhD in Minoan archaeology from the University of Liverpool. He has participated in many excavations around Greece and Turkey, and has taught Minoan and Mycenaean Archaeology at the Democritus University of Thrace as well as at the University of Liverpool. He is also a qualified tourist guide, and currently teaches the course in Prehistoric Archaeology for the National School of Tourist Guides of Crete.
Peter Savin has a particular interest in Roman archaeology and has excavated for many years at Vindolanda on Hadrian's Wall. He combines his interest in Roman archaeology with a love of walking and photography, and many of his images can be found in archaeological publications, including “Hadrian’s Wall. A Journey Through Time”.
Adrian is a passionate and energetic historian and guide who studied Archaeology and Classical Studies at the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG). He has a strong interest not only in classical civilisation but also in Irish history and folklore, especially around his home town of Sligo.
Jamie is an engaging and passionate storyteller, and a popular and experienced tour leader. He has a PhD in Classical Archaeology from Birkbeck College, University of London, and many years of experience in field archaeology, He has a long list of publications, and has lectured at Durham University in England and at the Humboldt University of Berlin, where he currently lives.
To help bring it all together, Dr Butler has also teamed-up with the Travel Trust Association, who provide business support services and a network of trade partners, and who oversee all legal and financial matters. Collectively this team creates an efficient, expert-focused structure which can bring you great products at great prices.
The Vision
Our trading name, Hidden History Travel, reflects the hidden nature of the past and how travel can help us explore the meanings, mysteries and insights behind its ancient ruins, artefacts and various material remains. The fascination of archaeology is due to its hidden nature, its breadth of interest and its connection with so many areas of life; society, culture, science and environment – the list is endless.
This is why archaeological travel is so enriching. It unites culture with adventure and gives real depth of insight into the world and its peoples. An archaeological tour is part of one’s personal journey through space and time, and the interest never ends when the tour ends.
At Hidden History Travel, we want you to share this vision. There will always be new products to develop, new content to add, and new ways of conveying information. We want to remain dynamic so please stay with Hidden History as we develop, and keep us informed of what you think.